Hepatitis B Vaccine?

I'm filling out my preregistration forms for the hosptial where I'll deliver. There's a consent form for the Hepatitis B vaccine, and I'm debating about whether or not I want to sign it.

I didn't get that vaccine until I was in the 5th grade. I know the reccomendation changed from 5th graders to infants in 1992, but I'm iffy about it. People who are allergic to baker's yeast or any of the other ingredients can have a bad reaction to the vaccine (as with all vaccines), but how do they know what a baby is allergic to the moment it is born?

And if Hepatitis B is only spread via contact with blood or other body fluids, aren't babies safe as long as everyone around them has been vaccinated? Every one in both DH and my family has been vaccinated, and everyone who will be around the baby has also been vaccinated. I'm a WAHM, so I won't be using daycare.

Comments (14)

DH and I do not have Hep B. We refuse the vax at birth. And yes I am fully aware that there are other places that a baby can contract Hep B from, but I believe the risk is low and I am not concerned at all.

I waited till my DD was 1 month old to get her the hep b vaccine. I'm not going to wait this time, I will get it at birth. It's not one the the vaccines that make you LO sick. Plus if your LO will be in daycare they might require it, most around me require the vaccine. So I would check into daycares in your area.

Also I'm a nurse and give the hep b shot to newborns almost on a daily basis. I have never seen a baby have an allergic reaction to hep b. not saying it can't happen just that it would be very rare. If you are concerned talk to your pediatrician about it.

MrsAmor, do you hear of many cases of babies who didn't get the vaccine right away and got the virus because of it? Based on how it's spread, it seems like it's easy to avoid as long as I know who my baby is around at all times.

Again, with everything check your state laws, in illinois they do not have to have consent for hep b but a lot of hospitals here still do ask for consent, but if not given the hospital can give, 3 of 4, of my kids did not get until 2 months, that was my pediatricians protocol even that changed with last one. Also depending were you are hep b may or may not be as prevalant.